RED ALGAE (RHODOPHYCEAE) 325 



Algae, the plant botly is commonl}^ differentiated into parts 

 similar in form, although not in structure, to the roots, stems, 

 and leaves of the higher plants. The cells are commonly ar- 

 ranged in such definite lines that the plant body has the appear- 

 ance of a bundle of closely joined simple filaments. The evident 

 protoplasmic connections between cells and the gelatinization of 

 cell walls are other notable features. 



Fig. 281. — Irish Moss, Chondrus crispus, mucli used for food. Natural size. 



The life history of some of them is quite complex. The}' have 

 spores, but their spores and likewise their gametes have no cilia, 

 a curious feature since these plants are wholly aquatic. The 

 female sex organ is multicellular and more complex than the sex 

 organs of the Brown Algae. 



Several forms of the Red Algae are of economic importance. 

 Some are used as food, being dried and kept for long periods 

 The gelatinous material obtained from Red Algae forms a delicacy 



